Throughout the Gospels, we hear time and time again of individuals being healed by Jesus. These stories bring us hope for healing from physical affliction. Through Jesus’ name, similar healings are happening in our diocese through the work of the Diocesan Healing Ministry Teams.
Earlier this year, many members of our community joined Fr. Joel for a day of training at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. This full day was led by Maximus Cabey, Officer to Apostolates, Spiritual Renewal, and Ecumenical Outreach of the Diocese of Green Bay.
Healing ministry is not new to our community, or to the diocese itself.
“In 2019 the Diocese of Green Bay invited all parishes to participate in a day focused on healing prayer put on by Encounter Ministries from Michigan,” Fr. Joel says. “A number of our Antigo people attended. During the course of the event, people were invited to pray with one another for healing. Many healings were reported, including one experienced by Deacon Andy Bures from Antigo.”
A small group of those who attended the 2019 event continued to serve our community by providing healing prayer at special events, such as the annual Divine Mercy holy hour, or the Confirmation day of reflection.
Attendees to this year’s training included members of this small group that attended in 2019, as well as new members of the Healing Prayer Team.
The primary focus of the training was physical healing, but attendees also received some training on inner healing. Attendees were equipped and motivated to pray for the sick with greater effectiveness. They received best practices information from the diocese, as well as a practical overview of healing ministries executed throughout the diocese.
Ultimately, members of our Healing Prayer Team were tasked with going forth in our diocese as missionary disciples, proclaiming the Gospel through their efforts.
“It is a blessing to have these resources available within our community,” Fr. Joel says. “Volunteers can pray with people after Masses and be a witness to Christ’s healing power and love to all they encounter.”
Following the training, attendees were eligible to go through the application and selection process to be on the new Diocesan Healing Ministry Teams. This larger group will serve at healing services led by Bishop Ricken and Maximus Cabey.
Our Healing Prayer Team serves our community through the support of Fr. Joel Sember. If interested in learning more or attending next year’s diocesan training, please reach out to him at jsember@antigocatholic.com.